Feeler mechanism for looms



v I. suow. FEELER MECHANISM FOR LOOMS.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 7, I920.

Ptented Aug. 23,1921. I

2 shins-sun? 1.

l. SNOW.

FE'ELER MECHANISM FOR LOOMS.

APPLICATION FILED APR- 7, I920.

Patented Aug. 23,1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEET-2- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ISAAC snow, or LAWRENCE, massacnusn'r'rs, YASSIGNOR, 'ro nan-En oonrona 'TION, or HOPEDALE, MASSACHUSETTS, A conronarron ormnrma FEELER MECHANISM FOR LOOMST Application filed April 7,

To all whom it may concern: 7

Be it known that LISAAO SNOW, a citizen of the. United States, and a resident of Lawrence, county of Essex, and State, of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Feeler Mechanisms for'Looms, of which the followingdescription, in connection withv the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like characters on the drawings 7 representing like parts. 7

This invention relates to feeler mechanisms for looms.

Mechanisms of various'types have been devised for either replenishing the filling or stopping the loom when the filling in the shuttle becomes substantially exhausted. In some of these prior typesof feeler-mechanisms, the feeler has been formed to measure orcaliper the diameter of the filling or filling carrier, and when the diameter has reached. a predetermined dimension, a train of mechanism has been set in operation to effect replenishment of filling. In another type of feeler mechanism, the feeler has been mounted for lateral displacement in a direction longitudinally of-the shuttle by the frontward pressure upon the feeler when divergently extending to opposite sides of the axis of the filling carrier or bobbin in the shuttle on a detecting beat, so that the effect of the frontward pressure is to relatively separate the tip portions of the feelers, but

which functional action of the feelers is pre-' vented by engagement of the tip portions of the feelers with the filling until substantial exhaustion thereof.

Another important featureof the invention consists in having the tip portion of the feeler provided'with teeth which extend sub-' stantially longitudinally of the filling carrier or bobbin in the shuttle, and engage the fill ing transversely of the-coils of the filling on the bobbin. Heretofore it hasbeen the Specification otfLetters Patent 'Patented Aug. 23, 19 21.. 1920. Serial No. 372,007. practice to provide the tip of a feeler with points, teeth, or other character ofengaging end wh ch would penetrate between the coils ofthe wound filling; but in the preferred.

form of the present invention, the teeth do not penetrate between the coils of the filling, but extend transversely thereof.

The above featuresof the invention and additional novel combinations of parts will be hereinafter described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which show a good, practical form of the invention, wherein I Figure 1 is a perspective view ofthe feeler side of the loom having the present invention appliedv thereto, some of theparts being omitted for clearness of illustration; I

Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of the feeler mechanism, some of the parts being shown in section, and indicating the action of the feelerzmechanism when a 'working supply of filling is present in the shuttle on a detecting beat; i

Fig. 3 is-a View similar to that of Fig. 2; showing the construction of parts when, on a detectingbeat,filling is substantially exhausted; I a

Fig. 4 is an enlarged section on the line i l-4c of Fig. 2, showing the means for transmitting motion from the feeler to the train of mechanism for effecting replenishment of filling when, on a detecting beat, the filling is substantially exhausted; and

- Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail of the tip portion of one of the feelers.

The feeler mechanism is suitably supported to enter the shuttle on each detecting beat and feel j for the filling within the shuttle. The carrier or support for the feeler mechanism may be variously contrived to position the feeler for entrance into the shuttle on each detecting beat. In the present instance the feeler is supported upon the loom frame for frontward and rearward movement, and is adjustably connected to the frame to be positioned for discharging its vfeeler function. w

The loom frame 1 has connected thereto the brackets 2, one at each side of the loom frame, in which is supported the transverse or rock shaft 3 having secured thereto the arm 4. .Pivotally connected to the arm 4 at 5 is the latch 6, the rear end-71 of which is adapted at times to be engaged by an operating member 8. The operating member ing'in the front flange 17. The rear bearing this type of loom, by a part connected with the cam follower or weft hammer, the construction being such that when the end 7 of the latch 6 is moved frontwardly by the operating member, replenishment of filling or other change in the operative condition of the loom is effected.

The shipper stand 9 has an arm 10 extending therefrom towhich is' adjustably connected the support or bracket 11. The adjustable connection may be effected by means of'the slot 12 and the adjusting bolt 13'. The support or bracket 11 affords one good form of convenient means for sustaining the feeler mechanism, although, as will be evident to those familiar with this character of loom, otherforms of supports may be devised.

Adjustably connected to the bracket or support 11 is the feeler stand or carrier 14 which is provided with the slot 15 through which'extends the securing bolt 16, whereby the'position of the feeler stand. or carrier. 14 may be varied as the circumstances dic tate. t

The feeler stand or carrier 14 affords one good, practical form of means for support ing the'feeler for movement toward and from the'front'of the loom. In the present instance of the invention, the feeler stand 14 has the front flange 17 and the rear flange 18, in each of which is formed the suitable support for the feeler. The flanges 17 and 18 may be variously contrived, but in the present instance, are shown by upturning the front and rear edge portions'of the feeler stand or carrier 14.

Mounted for reciprocating movement on the stand 14 is the feeler slide 19 which passes through a bearing in the rear flange 18 and extends frontwardly through a bear- 20 is preferably formed other than circular incross section, as a convenient means for preventing the feeler from rotating, al-

though of course, other devices might be employed for this purpose. Extending frontwardly is the stem 21 which is preferably of circular form in cross section, and

is surrounded by a spring 22, the front end;

bin or filling carrier in the shuttle. In the present instance the two feelers 25 and 26 are .pivotally supported at 27 and 28 respectively, on the feeler slide 19, and the rear portion or tips of the feelers extend divergently in a direction to receive between them the bobbin or filling carrier, the construction being such that on a detecting beat the frontward pressure upon the diverg ently-extending tip portions of the feelers tends to separate the rear or tip portions of the feelers in a direction extending transversely of the'filling carrier or bobbin.

Asbest indicated in-Fig. 1, the tip portions 29 and 30 of each of the feelers 25 and 26 flare rearwardly and diverge, and each is provided with one or more teeth 31 which extend in a direction longitudinally of the V filling carrier or surface engaged by the tip portions of the feelers on a detecting beat.

The teeth 31 mayv be variously formed, but are preferably as indicated in detail, Fig. 5, that is, the rear faces 32 of the teeth and the front faces 33 of the teeth are so inclined with respect to each other that they form a biting edge 34, which isadapted to sink into the filling, notwithstanding'the fact that the engagement of the teeth with I the filling is transversely of the coils thereof. I

Where two feelers are usedashereinbefore described, it is desirable that the feelers shall be moved in a direction of relative ingly moved in adirection of separation transverselyof the bobbin or filling carrier. The feelers are normally held in closed position, as indicated in Fig. 2, and suchrelation may be readily effected by-a light spring, such as 37, placed between the front- 7 wardly-extended portions of the feelers as indicated in Fig. 2. I

From the construction thusfar described, it will be apparent that'whena working sup ply of filling is present in the shuttle, and. the feelers meet the filling on a detecting heat as indicated'in Fig. 2, the tendency of the frontward pressure against the outwardly divergent tips of the feelers is'to' separate the rear or tip portions of the feelers, and such tendency is rendered ineffective by the teeth of the feelers sinking into the working filling transversely'of the v coils thereof. Under the conditions stated, and as indicated in Fig. 2, the; feelers will be moved frontwardly on a detecting beat without relative displacement of the feelers transversely of the filling carrier or bobbin. When, however, the filling is substantially exhausted on a detecting beat, the tendency of the feelers to separate at their rear or tip portions under frontward ress ure of the surface within the shuttlewi lno longer be resisted by the teeth engagement of the filling on a detecting beat, and the feelers will be relatively separated as indicated in Fig. 3. Advantage is taken ofthis separating movement ofthe feelers, where two are used, to position a train of mechanism for effecting replenishment of filling.-

In the present instance the feeler stand 14 has rising therefrom the finger 38, to the upperportion of which at 39 is pivotally connected the swinging arm 40. The swing ing arm 40 carries a plate 41 which extends frontwardly from the arm '40, as indicated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. One of the feelers, in the present instance of the invention, has a frontwardly-extending arm 42, the end 43 of which is opposite'the plate 41, the construction being'su'ch that if the arm 42 of the feeler 25 be depressed by movement of the feeler in a direction transversely of the bobbin on a detecting beat,'the end 43 will press upon the plate 41 and turn the swing- 'vent1on the loom frame has rising therefrom the bracket 46 to which is secured by a bolt the arm or support 48, the end portion 47 of which has connected; thereto the bell crank lever 49 pivotally supported on the arm at 50 and having an end 51 underlying a portion of the latch 6.- The portion of the latch 6 under which the part 51 extends, may be variously formed, but in the present instance it consists of the finger 52 connected to the rear end portion 7 of the latch. The rear end portion 7 of the latch is pivotally connected at 53 to the latch, so that such rear end portion 7 may be raised or lowered by the bell crank lever 49 through'the transmitting mechanism described when the feeler is moved in a direction transversely ofthe bobbin or filling carrier on a detecting beat. The particular form and character of the end 7 of the latch 6 is not ofimportance in the resent invention, except in so far as it shou dbe properly constructed to permit the transmitting mechanism to place the end of the latch-in the path of the operating member when filling is substantially exhausted on a detecting beat.

In some cases it may not be necessary to use the two feelers 25 and 26, but the two- 40 from'the full line position indifeeler form of construction is preferable because it adds to the delicacy and responsiveness of the feeler mechanism to the presence or substantial absence of filling on a detect-' ingbeat- T i The lay 54 is of the usual construction and has the shuttle-b03155 into which the shuttle 56 is thrown or picked. a The shuttle 56 carries'the bobbin or filling carrier 57 on which is wound the filling 58 by the usual character' of filling wind. The front wall of the shuttle-box is provided with an opening 59 and the adjacent wall of the shuttle when in p the box, is providedwi'th a similar opening 60, the construction being such that when the shuttle is boxed at the detecting side of the loom, the openings 59 and 60 will register to permit the entrance of the feeler or feelers into theshuttle, as usual in this class of looms. l a

What is claimed is 1. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of two feelersmounted for relative separation in a direction transversely of-the bobbin by the frontward beat, and which are heldfrom such relative separat ing movement by engagement with the fill ing until substantial exhaustion thereof, and means which is actuated by the relative separation of the feeler's'transve'rsely of the bobbin on a detecting beat to effect'replenishment of filling. f

2. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of two feelers mounted for separating movement'transversely'of the bobbin by ing beat and which are held from such transverse separation by the filling until substantial exhaustion thereof, and means actuated by the separating movement of the feelers on a detecting beat to effect replenishment of filling. r

3. Ina feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of a feeler mounted independently of the lay'which has'an inclined engaging end portion to meet a surface within t eshuttle at one side only of the'horizontal plane passing longitudinally of the axisof ,said surface on a detecting beat and adapted tobe further displaced toward the same side of said surface by the frontward the frontwardjpressure 'on a detect- V pressure of said surface against the inclined engaging end but held from displacement transversely of the surface under the frontward pressure by engagement with the filling until substantial exhaustion thereof, and

means positioned by the movement of the thereof, and means positioned by movement ofthe feeler transversely of the engaged surface on a detecting beat to effect replenishment of filling.

5. In a feeler mechanism for. looms, the

I combination of a feeler having an inclined end portion provided with teeth extending longitudinally of the shuttle to engage a surface within the shuttle in a plane above the longitudinal axis of said surface on a detecting beat, and which prevent movement of the feeler transversely of the surface by engagement with the filling until substantial exhaustion thereof, and means to effect replenishment of filling when the inclined end of the feeler slides transversely over'the surface of the filling carrier by thefrontward pressure against the inclined end.

combination of a feeler having an inclined engaging end and which is mounted at the front of the loom independent of the lay for movement transversely of the bobbin or filling carrier b the frontward pressure upon it on a detecting beat and which is held from such transverse movement by the filling 'un-. til-substantial exhaustion thereof, and means actuated byfurther movement of the feeler transversely of the bobbin or filling carrier. in a direction substantially atright angles to the path in which the lay moves to effect replenishment of filling.

r ..In a feeler mechanism for looms, a

feeler having an engaging tip which is in-.

clined in a direction transversely of the bobbin and provided with teeth which extend longitudinallyof the bobbin and slip transversely over the bobbin when filling is substantially exhausted on a detecting beat.

8. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of two feelers having flaring end portions extending transversely of the bobbin within the shuttle andheld from separating movement transversely of the bobbin on a detecting beat under the frontward pressure by engagement with the filling until substantial exhaustion thereof, and means for effecting replenishment of filling when the feeler members are separated.

9. In a'feeler mechanism for looms,'the combination of two feelers having flaring endportions extending transversely of the bobbin within the shuttle and held from separating movement transversely of the bobbin on a detecting beat under the frontv the bobbin under the frontwa-rd pressure 6. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the

ward pressureby engagement with thefil1- ing until substantial exhaustion thereof, :a spring normally acting to ,holdthe feelers in closedr relation, and means for effecting replenishment of .fillingwhen the feeler members areseparated. f Y

10. In a feeler'mechanismfor looms, the. combination of two feelers having endpor-. tions which"; are inclined in opposite directions transversely of the bobbinwithin the the filling until substantial exhaustion there of, and means positioned by separation of,

the feeler transversely of the "bobbin for effecting replenishment of filling. i Y '12. In a feeler mechanism forlooms, the combination of two feelers having diven. gently extendingtip; portions to meet sur face within the shuttle on a detecting beat at each side of the longitudinal axis .ofthe surface and mounted. for relative separation transversely of the surface by the frontward pressure, teeth on thetip portions which prevent transverse separation ofthe tip portions by the 'frontward pressure by engagement with the filling until substantial exhaustion thereof, and means actuated by separation ofthe tip portions of the feel ers to effect replenishment of filling.

13. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of a feeler carrier mounted for movement toward and from the front ofthe loom, a feeler mounted on the carrier having a flaring end and for movement in a direction transversely of the bobbin or fill-s ing carrier and held from such movement by engagement with the filling on a defect ing beat until substantial exhaustion thereof and thereupon sliding transversely. over the filling carrier, a frontwardly extending arm connected to the feeler, and. mechanism signed 7 

